Vassiriki Abou Diaby, known as Abou Diaby, is a French former professional footballer. He played primarily in a box to box role, adept at both attacking and defending, and was described as a player who was "languid, elusive, and athletic" that could either "dribble past opponents or slip passes to team-mates". Of Ivorian descent, Diaby also possessed "superb touch" and "excellent close control". Diaby's career was hampered by numerous repetitive injuries, a problem that existed from his time in France. His physical appearance and positional preference evoked comparisons to Arsenal compatriot Patrick Vieira.

Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise, commonly known as AJ Auxerre, is a French professional football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and will play in Ligue 1 from 2024–25, the top division of French football after promotion from Ligue 2 in 2023–24. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps, on the banks of the Yonne River. The team is managed by Christophe Pélissier.